Aussie Rules Football: How To Play Australian Rules Football | Rules of Sport Contact Aussie Rules Football Rules Aussie Rules has been around since 1841 in some form or another. Its game that is pretty much exclusively played in Australia and the only professional league of its kind, the Australian Football League (AFL) is also situated there. Many players affectionate with the sport may call it a mix of footy, football, Aussie rules and Australian rules. Object of the Game The object of the game is to kick the football between a series of 4 goal posts. Depending on which posts the ball goes between will depend on how many points you score. The ball can be passed around between team mates in a series of fashions and the winning team will be the team with the highest number of points at the end of the game. Players & Equipment Aussie rules pitches are usually played on oval sized pitches with dimensions ranging from 135 to 185 metres in length, and 110 to 155 metres in width. Many Aussie Rules pitches mix with cricket fields as they or of a similar size and proportion. The pitches are marked around the outside to highlight the out of bounds area.

At either end of the pitch 4 tall posts will be apparent. These are the scoring zones and are roughly 6 metres in height. The two front posts are 6.4 metres apart and represent the main scoring area (goal). The two post behind are also 6.4 metres apart and represent the secondary scoring area (point). The ball is made from leather and forms an oval shape (similar to a rugby ball). Other markings on the pitch include a goal square that is 9 metres wide and spanning with width of the goals posts, centre square and centre circle. Each team will consist of 18 players of which are all assigned to different positions. These players are allowed to move freely on the pitch. Each team may also have up to three substitutes which are ‘rolling’ meaning they can come on and off as many times as they want. Once a starting player gets substituted these players then become rolling. The positions are broken down into Full Forward, Half Forward, Centre Line, Half Back and Full Back. There are 7 umpires for Aussie Rules in total. The three main umpires are known as filed umpires and they basically oversee all the decisions on filed such as time keeping, infringements and enforcing the rules.

The two line judges are there to see if the ball goes out of play or not – these judges can also intervene where on filed umpires have missed a decision. The last two umpires are goal umpires and its their job to signal if a goal has been scored successfully or not. Scoring If the ball is kicked between the two goal posts (middle posts) then 6 points are awarded. If the ball goes between a goal post and one of the behind posts (point) then 1 point is awarded. 1 point is also awarded if the ball is carried or forced over the scoring line by the attacking team. Winning the Game The team with the highest amount of points at the end of the game are deemed the winners. Rules of Aussie Rules Football Umpires signal for all decisions and their call is final By kicking the ball between the goal posts without it being touched by any other player, then 6 points are awarded. If the ball is kicked without being touched between the behind posts (point) then 1 point is scored. A game consist of four 20 minute quarters. The game starts with ruck.

This is where the umpire throws the ball into the air and one player from each team will try and tap the ball to their team. After a goal has been scored the game will be restarted with the same way as at the beginning of the game. The only way you can pass the ball is to hand ball. For this to happen the ball must be placed in the palm of the hand and then the ball struck with the butt of the other hand clenched into a fist. You cannot throw or slap the ball to perform a successful pass. A player can ‘mark’ the ball when they receive it. This can happen one of three ways; the player catches the ball without the ball bouncing, the player catches the ball after it has travelled over 10 metres or the player catches the ball before it’s been touched in the air. Once marked the player cannot then be tackled. If a tackle occurs or an opponent steps over the mark then a foul will be called and the team with the ball will advance 15 metres down the field. Players can tackle opponents to try and win back the ball. A player can only be tackled from shoulder height downwards.

If a player is tackled and refuses to let go of the ball then holding the ball will be called by the umpire and possession will be turned over. Players are permitted to block their opposition by shepherding players away from the ball. This can only be done within 5 metres of the ball. Players are omitted from pushing their opponents in the back either whilst they are running or whilst in a tackle. Australian Rules Football Frequently Asked Questions 1/4 Introduction to Australian Rules Football 0.1 What is Australian Rules Football ? Australian Rules Football (also "Aussie Rules" or "footy") is a physical contact sport. It is a form of football with roots traceable from early forms of Rugby and Gaelic football, but it is uniquely Australian. Its rules were codified in 1858, and probably predate all other modern forms of football, such as American, Canadian, Rugby Union and League, Association (Soccer) and Gaelic football. Today it is a multi-million dollar business, with a National Competition and numerous smaller leagues.

Interest in the game is generally at an all time high within Australia, yet despite this, some parts of Australia are still lukewarm in support of their team in the AFL, and the game has yet to take a firm hold overseas. 0.2 Where is Aussie Rules played ? Australia is divided into 6 states and 2 territories. Aussie Rules is the main code of football in Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and has a strong following in the Australian Capital Territory. Although played in the States of Queensland and New South Wales, it runs second string to Rubgy League in terms of popularity in those states. The AFL provides financial or practical assistance to leagues in Britain, Canada, Denmark, Japan and New Zealand. 0.3 Are there any net sites for Aussie Rules Football material ? The ftp site at the CSIRO has closed as Geoff Lamb (site maintainer) has taken a new position elsewhere. There are several WWW Page's for Australian Rules Football resources. A link to most sites canbe found below; 0.4 History of the FAQ The first creation of the FAQ for r.s.f.a was mooted in October 1994.

The work to write the FAQ was done by Adam East, a student at the University of Western Australia. Versions 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 were posted to r.s.f.a over the next 2 months, and modifications were made according to feedback received. The FAQ was put onto the FTP site in November 1994. The first official version (v1.0) of the FAQ was finalised on 16 December 1994. V1.1 - 2 Feb 95. V1.2 - 22 Mar 95. V1.3 - 7 Apr 95. Further revisions will be made periodically as major events happen. This version (1.5) was updated and converted to HTML by Darryl Harvey and is current at the end of the 1997 season and is maintained at the WWW site of Comments are welcome, as are suggestions for corrections or additions. Section 1.0 The Rules of Australian Football 1.0 What are the rules of the game ? 1.1 The Game 1.1.1 Length of game is 4 quarters of 20 minutes playing time.

When play is unduly delayed, such as the ball going out of the playing area, time is added on to the playing time of the quarter. This is referred to as 'time on'. (Game length used to be 4 quarters of 25 minutes, but was changed in 1994 to 20 minutes, with the allowance for additional time-on when the ball is out-of-bounds : see 1.6.6) 1.1.2 A maximum interval of 3 minutes is allowed between the first and second quarters for the teams to change ends. 1.1.3 The half-time interval is a maximum of 20 minutes with players being allowed to leave the ground for not more than 15 minutes. 1.1.4 A maximum interval of 5 minutes is allowed between the third and fourth quarters. 1.1.5 Teams change ends at the end of each quarter. 1.1.6 The team scoring the most point wins the game. The match is drawn if points are equal. 1.2 Playing Field and Equipment 1.2.1 Playing area of oval shape.

Between 135 and 185 metres in length and 110 and 155 metres in width. (NFC suggests ideal dimensions are 165m length by 135m width.) 1.2.2 Boundary is marked with a white line. 1.2.3 Goal square (actually a rectangle) extending 9 metres in length from the goal posts, 6.4 metres in width. 1.2.4 Centre square at midway part of oval, 45 metres each side. 1.2.5 Centre circle at centre of oval, 3 metres in diameter, bisected by lateral line extending 2 metres either side of the diameter. 1.2.6 Goal and Behind posts. Cofiguration of 4 posts at the two opposing ends of the ground. Consisting of 2 goal posts, set 6.4 metres apart on the boundary line. Two behind posts each set 6.4 metres either side of the goal posts on the boundary line. Goal posts minimum height of 6 metres.Behind posts minimum height of 3 metres. All posts padded to a height of 2 metres. 1.2.7 The Ball.

Made from leather, tan (day use) or yellow (night use) in colour. Length 270 - 280 mm. Diameter 167 - 173 mm. Circumference between 720 - 735 mm by 545 - 555 mm. Approximate weight: 450 - 500 grams (Dryweight inflated ball.) 1.3 1.3.1 A team consists of 18 players with three interchange players. 1.3.2 Players may be interchanged at any time during the match. 1.3.3 Although players have designated positions, they are free to move anywhere on the ground when play is in progress. 1.3.4 Player positions. There are 5 general areas of play, referred to as a 'line'. Three players form each line and are usually designated as being in either the left, centre or right position in each line.

Full Forward: L.Fwd.Pocket Full-Forward R.Fwd.Pocket Half Forward: L.Half.Fwd C.Half.Fwd R.Half.Fwd Centre Line : Left-Wing Centre Right-Wing Half Back : L.Half.Back C.Half.Back R.Half.Back Full Back : L.BackPocket Full-Back R.Back.Pocket 1.3.5 Purposes of player positions. All players should contest the ball when its within their vicinity (unless playing to alternative coaching instructions). Other general purposes of player positions according to line are: Full Forward: Attack the goal Trap the ball in the area Half Forward: Attack the goal Set up scoring shots Full back: Hold the ball in the area Attack - clear ball forwards 1.3.6 Player Uniforms: Team to wear guernseys of identical club colours and design. Exception, long sleeved versions of normal guernseys are permitted. Each guernsey bears a different number, allocated to a player for the season, or possibly career (numbers have no relationship to position or function.) Teams wear white coloured shorts when playing away from their home ground for easier identification. Full length socks in team colours. Standard design boot. No padding is worn.

Mouthgards, protective head-gear (soft) and shin guards are allowable. Other protection requires prior approval. Jewellery is not permitted to be worn. 1.4 The Umpires 1.4.1 There are three central or field umpires, who have full control of the game. Major responsibilities of the field umpires are to start play, award marks and free kicks, and generally enforce the rules of the game. In carrying out their responsibilities, the field umpires each control roughly one third of the ground. The umpire in the third where the ball is currently being disputed is the umpire in charge at any one time, however either of the other field umpires may bring attention to infringements of the rules that occur 'behind the play'. 1.4.2 The two boundary umpires judge when the ball is out of the playing area, and also return the ball to the center of the ground after a goal has been scored. The boundary umpires patrol one side of the ground each. They take positions at diagonally opposite corners of the centre square when the ball is bounced in the centre square at the start of each quarter or after a goal is scored.

at the centre bounces, the boundary umpires are responsible for detecting players who enter the centre square illegally. 1.4.3 The two goal umpires judge, signal, and record all scores in a match. Two flags are waved to indicate a goal, and one flag is used to indicate a behind. The flags are waved to indicate to the other goal umpire the score. The goal umpire also indicates to the field umpire what the score is by indicating with one finger for a behind and two fingers (one out-stretched on each hand) for a goal. Before the goal umpire can indicate the score, the field umpire signals to him that no infingemants have occurred so that a score may be added. This is why the goal umpire looks around sometimes before signalling a score. 1.4.4 Changing of Decisions: Field umpires cannot alter a decision once it has been made, except by a further breach of the rules by a player or team official. Goal umpires can correct mistakes prior to restart of play. Goal umpires take precedence over boundary umpires in vicinity of the goal area.The goal umpire indicates this to the boundary umpire by tapping his chest with his hand.

1.5 Scoring 1.5.1 A ball kicked between the two larger goal posts without being touched is a goal and score six points. Goal post -- | | -- Goal post | | | | | | | | Behind post -- | | | | -- Behind post 1.5.2 If the ball passes between a goal post and a behind post then it is a behind, and it scores 1 point. 1.5.3 If the ball hits the goal post, a behind is scored. This is regardless of where the ball goes after hitting the goal post e.g back into the field of play, through the goals or whatever. Play stops as soon as the ball hits the goal post, and is restarted by a kick-in. See 1.6.5a. 1.5.4 If the ball is forced, or carried, but not kicked over the scoring line by the attacking team, anywhere between the goal posts, a behind is scored.

1.5.5 If the ball hits a behind post without bouncing it is deemed 'out on the full' and the opposing team takes a free kick from next to the behind post.If the ball bounces and hits the behind post then the ball is thrown into play again by the boundary umpire from next to the behind post. In both cases no points are scored. 1.5.6 If the ball is kicked or forced over the scoring line between the goal post and the behind post by any player, then a behind is scored. 1.6 Starting and Restarting Play 1.6.1 Teams determine the choice of goal by tossing a coin. 1.6.2 The field umpire starts play by blowing his whistle and bouncing the ball in the center circle so that it rebounds vertically to be contested by the players in the center square. 1.6.3 At the start of play, no player may enter the center circle, and only four players from each team are permitted in the center square until after the ball has been bounced. 1.6.4 After a goal is scored, play is restarted in the center of the ground in the manner described above.

1.6.5 The other common situations when play is restarted are: (a) After a behind has scored. Any player of the defending team kicks the ball from within the kick-off 'square' in front of goal, but only after the goal umpire has finished waving his flags. The player must *kick* the ball out to restart play. Goal post -- | | -- Goal post | | | | | | | | Behind post -- | | | | -- Behind post / --------------- \ / | | \ |___| - Goal 'square' (b) After the ball has gone out of bounds (outside the boundary line).If the ball bounced, then the boundary umpire throws the ball into play by throwing it over his head towards the center of the ground.If the ball did not bounce and went over the boundary line as a result of a kick that was not touched, the opposing team receives a free-kick from the spot from where the ball went out. The closest player from the opposing team takes the free kick. (c) When a pack of players prevents either team gaining clear possession.The umpire bounces the ball where play came to a halt.

1.6.6 Each quarter runs for 20 minutes of playing time when the ball is in play.The ball is deemed to be out of play in the following situations: (a) A goal is scored. Time is stopped from when the goal umpire finishes waving his flags to when the ball is bounced. (b) A behind is scored. Time is stopped from when the goal umpire finishes waving his flag to when the ball is kicked in. (c) The ball goes out of bounds. Time is stopped from when the ball goes over the boundary line until the boundary umpire throws the ball back into play. (d) Whenever the field umpire signals to the time-keeper that time is to be stopped by raising his arm and blowing his whistle. 1.6.7 Out of Bounds: A ball that has gone completely over the boundary line is considered out of bounds. If any portion of the ball is on or over the boundary line, the ball is still in play. A player can be over the boundary line and in possession of the ball without the ball being considered 'out of bounds' given part of the ball is still in play.

1.7 Possession and Disposal of the Ball 1.7.1 A player may hold the ball for unlimited time when he is not being held by an opponent. 1.7.2 A player lying on or over the ball is considered to be in possession. 1.7.3 A player running with the ball must bounce the ball or touch it on the ground once every 15 metres. 1.7.4 A player in possession of the ball and held by an opponent must dispose of the ball immediately by kicking or handballing the ball. 1.7.5 To handball correctly, a player must hold the ball in one hand and hit it with the clenched fist of the other hand. The hand holding must not move relative to the players body. 1.7.6 A mark is allowed when the ball is caught from a kick which has travelled a minimum distance of 10 meters, and the ball has travelled in the air without being touched by another player. The player taking the mark may play on immediately, or go back and kick over the position where he took the mark. 1.7.7 Shepherding.

A player may retard the movement of an opposition player towards that of the ball, however it may only be done within 5 metres of the ball. Shepherding allows the opposition player to be pushed in the chest or side, or for the player to place his body between the opposition and the ball (when the player himself is not in posession of the ball.) cf. screens in basketball or blocking in American Football. 1.8 Free Kicks 1.8.1 Free kicks may be given against players either with or without the ball.A free kick is taken at the spot where the infringement occurred.(Exceptions see 1.8.6, 1.8.7) 1.8.2 A free kick is given against the player in possession of the of the ball for the following infringements of the rules: (a) Not disposing of the ball within a reasonable time when held by an opponent. (b) Not disposing of the ball correctly by using a handball or a kick. (c) Kicking the ball over the boundary line without it bouncing first or being touched by another player. (d) Deliberately forcing or taking the ball over the boundary line.

(e) Running more than 15 meters without bouncing the ball or touching the ball on the ground. 1.8.3 A free kick is given against any player who: (a) Grabs the opponent with the ball above the shoulder or below the knees. (b) Pushes an opponent in the back. (c) Trips or attempts to trip an opponent. (d) Charges an opponent. (e) Interferes with an opponent attempting to mark in the air by punching or bumping. (f) Shepherds an opponent when the ball is more than 5 meters away. (g) Enters the center square before the ball is bounced at the restart of play. 1.8.4 Following a free kick or mark, a 50 meter penalty is given against a player standing on the mark who: (a) Refuses to stand on the mark at the point indicated by the umpire. (b) Deliberately wastes time in returning the ball to the player who is to take the kick. (c) Holds the player who is to take the kick thereby preventing play continuing. (d) Runs over the mark before or as the ball is kicked.

(Any player in the opposing team can give this penalty) 1.8.5 Kick-in after behind: If a ball is kicked back into play from the goalsquare, following the scoring of a behind, and subsequently goes 'out of bounds' without being touched by a player of either team despite bouncing, it is treated as if having gone out of bounds on the full. The attacking team is awarded a free kick. 1.8.6 Play On: An umpire need not hold up play by awarding a free kick to a player who has been infringed. Where the player or a team-mate has possession and is in an advantageous position, the umpire calls 'play-on' and allows play to continue. This is referred to as 'paying the advantage'. 1.8.7 Relayed Free Kicks: A player who is infringed upon, immediately following the disposal of the ball, may have a fellow team-mate take the free kick from the spot where the ball landed after being disposed of. This is at the umpires adjudication. 1.9 Why are umpires 'booed' off the ground ?

In a large proportion of matches, whenever the umpires leave the field at half-time or the end of the match, the majority of the crowd will 'boo' them as they leave. Although more prevalent at games where the home team is losing (lost) and received controversial umpiring decisions against them, that doesn't explain this common action. Some propose that it comes from Australian's anti-authoritarian feelings as an ex-convict settlement that leads supporters to generally dislike umpires, but now, it comes as almost a tradition that the umpires are hated. 1.10 What is the crowd yelling ? In a case where there are a large number of supporters for a team, they will try and influence the umpires decision by subtly bringing to attention any infringments of the rules.

"MAN" - or 'holding the man' not in possession of the ball (1.8.3f) "HIGH" - when one of your players receives a high tackle (1.8.3a) "BACK" - when one of your players is pushed in the back (1.8.3b) "BALL" - when one of the oppositon players is caught in possession of the ball (1.8.2a) "BULLSH.."- when the umpire misinterprets one of the above. "WEED" - Where ever a large proportion of Adelaide Crows supporters are at a match, they shout "Weed" whenever the Adelaide player Wayne Weideman has posession of the ball. This is a habit peculiar to this player and supporter. "WOOF" - Used by Carlton fans when Ang Christou gets a kick. (also WHOOMP , anybody know what they're actually saying?) "ROO's" - Used by fans when Paul Roos (Sydney Swans) gains possession of the ball. 1.11 Serious infringements of the rules. 1.11.1 Reports. There is no send-off rule at AFL level.

Players can be 'reported' by umpires for serious breaches of the rules. The umpire is required to inform the player immediately of such a report. After the game, a report form is detailed by the umpire. 1.11.2 The Tribunal. A reported player, the umpire and the player who was infringed are usually required to appear before the League Tribunal to give evidence about the breach of rules. The Tribunal determines the innocence or guilt of the player based upon the evidence supplied, and any penalty for a player found guilty. This is usually suspension for eligibility to play for a number of games. 1.11.3 Trial-by-video. Reviews of video-tapes of games played that week are also conducted to note any reportable incidents missed by the field umpires. Players can be cited to appear before the Tribunal from these video reviews, as if reported. 1.11.4 Reportable incidents.

Players can be reported for: a) wilfully wasting time b) unduly interfering with a player while he is kicking for goal c) disputing the decision of an umpire d) unduly interfering with, or assaulting, or using abusive threatening or insulting language or behaviour towards an umpire during the progress of a match or within or without the oval on the day of the match. e) assaulting another player f) using abusive, threatening, or insulting language, or otherwise misconducts himself (recent reports of misconduct include biting, eye-gouging and spitting on an opponent). g) shaking a goalpost when a player is preparing to kick for goal or when ball is in transit. h) throwing an opponent after he has taken a mark or ball is out of play. i) violently pushing an opponent after that player has disposed of the ball. j) intentionally triping or kicking (or attempts to) an opponent. 1995 rule change is for tripping by hand to still be an infringement of the rules allowing a free kick or 50 metre penalty, but to not be a reportable offence. Tripping with the leg is still a reportable offence. k) striking (or attempting to) a player with the hand or arm.

l) charging an opponent. m) engaging in unduly rough play n) remaining on the playing area not wearing proper uniform after being warned by the umpire. o) wearing unacceptable equipment - boot studs, rings, jewellery, surgical appliances or guards. 1.12 Criticism of Umpires. Players and team officials are not allowed to make public comments about the umpiring standards or decisions. If they do so, they risk a fine from the League. 1.13 The Blood Rule. A player who is bleeding or who has blood on himself or his uniform is required to leave the ground, at the request of the umpire and have the problem seen to. The player will not be allowed to return until the bleeding has ceased and any blood has been completely removed. This player can be interchanged off the ground, or the umpire can call a halt to play while the player is seen to. The first option is that most commonly used. 1.14 Team Lists. 1.14.1 How many players can a team choose its weekly 21 from? Most teams have 42 players contracted to them from which they can choose their weekly team. They are not allowed to select players not in this 42.

The Sydney Swans have a list of 50 to choose from as a supplement to not being in a Footballer producing state. The Fremantle Dockers as a new expansion team will have a list of 50 to choose from also. 1.14.2 What happens to the players contracted to a team, but that aren't playing that week ? These players go back to play in minor leagues. The 11 Victorian teams and the Sydney Swans have a 'Reserves' team in the VSFL. Players from West Coast, Adelaide, Brisbane and Fremantle, go back to play with their local clubs in their respective State competitions. 1.15 Role of the Coach and the Runner The role of the coach in Aussie Rules is different compared to other sports in that the coach is only able to address his players before the game, and then during the quarter-time, half-time and three-quarter-time intervals. There are no time-outs in Australian Rules. The coach usually sits overlooking the ground, noticing tactical maneuvers and imbalances in the game. When a change in tactics or of players is desired during the actual game, the coach sends his orders to the club's Runner.

The Runner is allowed on the ground during play to communicate to players and relay the coaches instructions. The Runner is often on the ground for large amounts of time such that some Runners are also Assistant Coaches, helping with team decision making. When on the ground during play, the Runner must attempt to remain away from the area of where the ball is being contested. 1.16 Other Team Officials on the Ground During a Game. A team can nominate 5 trainers that are allowed on to the playing field to assist with injured players, or provide help (e.g fluids) to players. Except in the case of an injury, the trainers are only allowed on the ground when there is a pause in the play (e.g. between a goal being scored and the restart of play.) ** 1.17 Team Selection Process Clubs are required to name a list of 21 players with 2 emergencies by 5 PM on Thursday nights. Teams playing on Sundays (or later) are allowed to name an additional 4 players, from which their final 21 must be finalised on Saturdays. The team that represents the club at game time must then consist of these players.

Clubs that play players that weren't listed on the Thursday night risk fines except in exceptional circumstances. This process is so that the media can be informed of the players for that week, as well as for subsidiary markets such as betting, etc. Football in Australia | australia.gov.au Football in Australia Tennis – 'the golden age' of the 1960s–70s and beyond Football in Australia Andrew Johns holding the Trans Tasman Trophy at Aussie Stadium, Sydney, on July 24 2003. Image courtesy of NSWRL. Australians love their 'footy'. Each weekend during the colder months, thousands of Australians descend on football stadiums around the country to support their teams. A serious ritual, this process involves proudly wearing team colours, barracking for favourite players, and engaging in enthusiastic cheering at every opportunity. The country has four major football codes, each represented by a professional league at an elite level: Australian Football League (AFL) National Rugby League (NRL) Football Federation Australia (FFA) Football codes in Australia have traditionally been male sports, but starting in the late twentieth century women began playing from a grassroots level to the highest levels of the game.

In each Australian state and territory the word 'football' has a different meaning. For those living in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia, football usually refers to Australian Rules Football. In the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, and Queensland, it could mean rugby league or rugby union. The word 'soccer' equates to the game played by the Football Federation Australia for all of Australia. The football code an Australian plays or follows is often dictated by where they live, their cultural heritage, or by the code they were taught at school. But for the players and supporters of all the football codes across Australia, the end of summer is welcomed since it signals the start of the 'footy' season. The season usually stretches from March to September, when fans crowd stadiums in their team colours to cheer and soak up the atmosphere of the game. Australian Football League When it comes to professional football codes some of the most loyal and dedicated fans are those devoted to AFL. Often referred to as 'Aussie Rules', the game originated in Melbourne, devised as a way of keeping cricketers fit in their off season. AFL is now taught in schools and clubs across the country and the code is a significant national sport.

The first Australian Rules competition was in 1866. The Victorian Football League (VFL) was established in 1896 and by 1925 there were 12 clubs involved. The line-up remained unchanged until 1987 when Brisbane and West Coast joined what had by then become known as the AFL. By 1997 the competition comprised 16 teams with two each from South Australian and Western Australia, and one each from New South Wales and Queensland. The remaining teams were from Melbourne in Victoria. The AFL is Australia's premier spectator sport attracting millions of people each year. In 2012 over 6.7 million people attended AFL games compared to over 3.6 million for NRL and 1.8 for FFA. Some of the great AFL players have been Ron Barassi, Roy Cazaly, Alex Jesaulenko, and Tony Lockett. Australian Rugby Union The Australian Rugby Football Team of 1907 (The Wallabies). Image courtesy of the National Library of Australia. According to legend, rugby began in 1823 during a game of football at Rugby School, England.

William Webb Ellis, having caught the ball, ran with it rather than kicking it as he was required to do. (An ancient game called harpastum, similar to rugby, was introduced to Britain by the Romans in around 400 AD.) From 1840 to 1860 many varieties of football were played, in some cases mixing soccer and rugby. Australia's first rugby club, the Sydney University Football Club, was founded in 1863, and the Southern Rugby Football Union (later called the Australian Rugby Football Union) was founded in 1875. Today's schools remain a major breeding ground for young rugby players, with many moving on to club rugby and some graduating to professional levels. Australian state rugby union teams participate in an annual provincial competition between teams drawn from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, known as Super Rugby. Internationally Australia's rugby union team is known as The Wallabies. Since the late 1990s, The Wallabies have won two World Cup titles (1991 and 1999) and five consecutive Bledisloe Cup titles (1998 to 2002).

In October 2003 Australia hosted the Rugby World Cup. This was the first time a host nation defended the World Cup on their home turf, and the first time a Rugby World Cup final was played in Australia. The 2003 Rugby World Cup was the fourth largest sporting event in the world behind the Olympics, Soccer World Cup and the World Athletics Championships. A traditional rugby team has 15 players. In a modernised version of the game – Rugby 7s' – teams field seven players. It is contested at the Commonwealth Games and internationally at the World Sevens Tournament. Australia's international rugby success is notable considering there were only 37,000 senior male players in Australia at the time of the 2003 World Cup, compared to England's 174,000, South Africa's 120,000, and Japan's 100,000. Despite its professional status, the majority of Australia's rugby playing fraternity are amateur players who continue to support and grow the game. At the end of the 2001 season, there were 130,000 registered players in Australia of which only 120 were professional.

Australia has a women's club rugby competition and a national women's rugby team, the Wallaroos. The Wallaroos competed in their first Women's World Cup in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, in 1998, where Australia claimed victory in the Plate Final. Some of the great Australian rugby players have been David Campese, John Eales and Nick Farr-Jones. National Rugby League Rugby League originated in England in the 1890s. Disputes in the early days of the Rugby Football Union over professional and amateur status led to a split and the creation of Rugby League in 1895. A similar separation occurred in Australia in 1907. The rules of Rugby League are different to Rugby Union, the most obvious being 13 players per side rather than 15. Rugby League was first played in Australia in 1907, and has grown to be one of Australia's most popular sports. It is taught in schools and played at club and professional levels. The Australian national competition, known as the National Rugby League, includes 15 teams representing the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria in Australia, and Auckland in New Zealand.

The NRL has a strong team membership and support base. Rugby League is also contested internationally. Australia's team is called the Kangaroos. The first Kangaroo Tour, in 1908, was to Britain. The 2013 Rugby League World Cup held in Britain was won by Australia after defeating New Zealand in front of the largest rugby league international attendance in history. Some of the great players in rugby league have been Clive Churchill, Bob Fulton, Wally Lewis, and Mal Meninga. Football Federation Australia (formerly Soccer Australia) The results of a worldwide survey, conducted by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and published in the spring of 2001, determined that more than 240 million people worldwide regularly play football (soccer). Soccer is now formally known as 'football' in Australia, in line with international usage. Football, men's quarter final, Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, 23 September 2000. Image courtesy of the National Library of Australia. Football (soccer) is taught in schools across Australia, and has an active club and national league.

Football (soccer) is recognised by many to be the first sport in Australia to establish a truly national competition. The national A-League showcases the best of Australia's talent in the sport, while many of the country's top football (soccer) stars play in the international leagues such as the English Premier League. Australia's national football (soccer) team, the Socceroos, is becoming better known on the international scene, contesting World Cup qualifying and other international matches. The Australian women's football (soccer) team is called the Matildas. The Matildas compete at the FIFA Women's World Cup and at Olympic Games level. They finished seventh at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and are considered by the international football (soccer) community to be one of the most improved teams in the sport. Useful links Football (Australian Rules) Football (Australian Rules) Open age Playing surface The playing surface is oval in shape, 135m to 185m long and 110m to 155m wide. The preferred senior oval size is 165m x 135m as this provides the greatest flexibility to cater for all standards of play.

A white line called the boundary line is drawn in the shape of an arc from the behind post at one end of the playing surface to the behind post at the other end of the playing surface. The playing field boundary line should ensure adequate run‑­off from any perimeter fencing or potential obstacles. The preferred minimum distance for existing facilities is 5m for state league, 4m for regional and 3m for local level facilities, however where new ovals are to be constructed it is encouraged that the higher run‑­off distance of 5m be provided where possible. The following areas are marked on the playing surface: The centre square, is located at the centre of the playing surface and is 50m long and 50m wide. A centre circle, 3m in diameter, and an outer circle, 10m in diameter are located in the middle the centre square and are divided by two semi‑­circles, drawing a straight line parallel with each goal line. An interchange area 15m wide. A goal square at each end of the playing surface.

This is marked by drawing lines at right angles to the goal lines, 9m from each goal post and connected at the outer end by a line called the kick‑­off line. A goal line and a behind line. A 50m arc at each end of the playing surface. Goal and behind posts Two posts, called goal posts, a minimum height of 6m, are placed at each end of the playing surface 6.4m apart. This measurement is taken from the inside point of the goal post at ground level. A further two posts, called behind posts, a minimum height of 3m, are placed at a distance of 6.4m on each side of the goal posts so that a straight line can be drawn on the ground to join each post. The padding attached around each goal and behind post is: Minimum of 35mm thick foam, covered in canvas or painted. Minimum height of 2.5m from the bottom of each goal and behind post. Suitable width to allow the padding to be securely fixed around each goal and behind post.

Coaches box Two coaches boxes are to be provided (home and away team) on the side of the ground, looking away from the sun and positioned adjacent to the centre wing position. Interchange The interchange area is 15m wide. Two interchange benches are provided (home and away team). For local and regional competitions they are 4.8m long and 1.2m wide. Fencing It is recommended that the oval fencing is approximately 900mm high with a mesh infill or similar, and allows a 5m run‑­off distance from the playing field boundary. Adequate gates and access for maintenance and emergency vehicles, players and officials is required. Junior Australian Rules Junior Australian Rules football has been developed to provide an environment where young players can play the game, develop their skills through conditions commensurate with their stage of learning and level of ability. This includes a reduced playing area, playing time and suitably modified equipment to suit the younger players. This philosophy is delivered through the AFL Auskick program and a junior football match program. Below are the guidelines for playing fields for junior football. Run-off

Question: How many players of each side are on the field of Australian Rules football?
Answer: Eighteen